Automation is one of my favorite topics, so what options or features are there in Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM let's have a look at them.
Let's discuss the types of Processes in Dynamics 365 which are there for automation.
Business Rules -- use them when you need to do quick and simple form level or entity level automation. Using these you can avoid writing JavaScripts for your form-level customizations where possible.
Business Process Flow -- use them when you want to guide or bound the users to a specific set of steps/tasks for a business process across entities, e.g. Lead to the Opportunity Sales cycle. Previously Task flow feature was there around it, however, that is now deprecated.
Cloud Flow / Modern Flow -- use them as a replacement of many other traditional automation options or features in Dynamics CRM like the WorkFlows, Plugins, etc.
Desktop Flow -- I find this as a Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tool from Microsoft which we can use with many other automation options s.
Workflow -- This is the most tightly coupled inbuilt automation option for D365 CRM. Use them for various types of automation in the traditional way. However, I prefer to use modern flows instead of workflows where possible.
Action -- This is more or less a part of Workflow as explained and also can be treated as functions to be called from other automation as a child step.
Dialog -- This is a deprecated feature that was there for dialogues or user interactions similar to Action.
Other options for automation can be plugins, form-scripts / JavaScripts when the available inbuilt processes are not sufficient to meet the requirement.
Plugin -- We use this when we need to develop complex and extensive automation or feature in D365. However, I always prefer to use other automation options before going for a plugin as an automation option where possible. Low code/no code is always a preferable option for me for customizations and developments.
JavaScripts -- We can add JavaScripts in form components and events by hosting the scripts as Web Resources in D365.
In a nutshell, my personal choice is to focus only on Business Rules, Business Process Flows, and Modern Flows for D365 automation as long as they meet the requirement.
Let me know what do you think about it and/or if you use any other automation options for D365 automation.
